Police Legacy Bicycle Ride 2016
A 300km Ride From Sydney to Canberra
Written by Raff Del Vecchio (pictured left)
Director of Police Bank and Director of
Police Legacy.
I first met Jason Baker in early 1979 as
wide eyed 10 year olds. It was our first
day in year 5, and we were ready to take
on all that Marcellin College Randwick
offered. I was instantly captured by his
sense of humour and warmth. Over
the next 8 years we negotiated our
awkward teenage years with lots of laughs and a carefree attitude
surrounded by many good people who remain friends today.
We both decided to join the NSW Police straight after school.
After graduation, Jason went back to the eastern suburbs and
I moved to the inner west. A couple of years later, I returned
to the eastern suburbs as a Police Prosecutor and I would
regularly present cases which Jason was involved in. Jason
was very popular with his peers in the Police Force and was
always great fun to be around.
Jason took his career to the country where he married and
started a family but regularly kept in touch with his school
mates. His visits to the city were always a source of great
merriment and laughter as the stories of our achievements at
school became more embellished as time went on.
I last saw Jason a few weeks before he passed away when I
bumped into him at the Maroubra Junction shopping centre.
We embraced, and as usual, the banter commenced. We
made plans to catch up as we hurriedly scurried to our next
appointments. Little did I realise that it would be the last time
that I would see him.
Jason passed away on 13 January 2014. He left behind his
wife Allison and three beautiful daughters Ainsley, Mackenzie
and Jordan. I am proud to say that Allison and the girls have
embraced the Legacy family and actively involve themselves in
the charity. I am equally privileged and proud to be a Director of
Police Legacy; this marvellous charity punches well above its
weight. Through such work, I can ensure that we remain faithful
to the mission of Police Legacy, that we look after our own.
One of the major fundraising events is a three day, 300
kilometre ride from the Domain Park in Sydney to the Wall of
Remembrance in Canberra. I will be participating because it
marries two of my great passions: cycling and Police Legacy.
Whilst dedicating this ride to Jason, along with about another
100 participants, I will be ensuring that the memory of all of
those who put themselves in harm’s way and have left behind
loved ones, will not be forgotten and that they will continue to
be supported.
Legacy relies upon fundraising events and the generosity
of organisations such as the Police Bank and the Police
Association of NSW to ensure that it can continue to provide
these wonderful services.
Should you have some spare change donations can be made
via the link below:
http://2016remembrancebikeride.gofundraise.com.au/page/
RaffDelVecchio0
We will not forget them.
Remembering Sergeant Jason Baker pictured with his family.
13-15May2016
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